South African Alderfly vs Western Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Alderfly | Western Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptosialis africana | Neohermes californicus |
| Order | Megaloptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Sialidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 50-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Western North America |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
South African Alderfly
One of the few alderfly species found in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring in clean mountain streams of South Africa. Adults are small with dark wings.
Did You Know?
Southern Hemisphere alderflies are so rare and poorly studied that basic aspects of their biology remain unknown to science.
Western Dobsonfly
A large dobsonfly of western North American streams, smaller than its eastern relative. Larvae are top predators under rocks in cool mountain streams.
Did You Know?
Unlike eastern dobsonflies, males of this species lack the enlarged mandibles.